A cross-skilling pilot in Aberdeen and Grangemouth has advanced efforts to build an integrated technician workforce across oil, gas and wind sectors. The six-week programme supports a more balanced energy transition by enabling skilled technicians to move between industries. Eight participants completed the course in Grangemouth last week, and a further seven are expected to finish in Aberdeen this Friday. Developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), with the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the pilot aimed to support flexible deployments across infrastructure in both sectors.
The course recognised existing qualifications and skills of oil and gas technicians and included technical training across electrical, mechanical and instrumentation disciplines. It also featured wind-specific safety training accredited by GWO and turbine familiarisation sessions on site.
The 15 participants include workers from Wood, Petrofac, Semco Maritime and Ponticelli, alongside ECITB-supported individuals and five former mechanical technicians from the Grangemouth oil refinery. Several participants are expected to move directly into roles in the wind sector.
The ECITB funded the training and received additional support from the Scottish Government for the five Grangemouth-based learners.
Training was delivered at Forth Valley and North East Scotland Colleges and by GWO- and ECITB-approved provider RelyOn. Learners also gained practical experience at ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth demonstration turbine.
The ECITB is reviewing feedback from participants, providers and employers, with the intention of offering a wider rollout of the programme via technical training centres from the autumn.
